Video of the search operation shows an argument between Pracha and the police in which the former is protesting against the seizure of the laptops and computers
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — The office of advocate Mehmood Pracha was on Thursday searched by the special Cell of the Delhi Police. Paracha is handling several cases related to the riots that marred the north-eastern part of the national capital in February.
Pracha’s office in Delhi’s Nizamuddin East was raided past noon.
A tweet containing a video of the search operation by one Aditya Menon quotes Pracha as saying: “This is in violation of the order”. The video shows an argument between Pracha and the police in which the former is protesting against the seizure of the laptops and computers.
“This is in violation of the order”: Advocate @MehmoodPracha tells police regarding seizure of his office computer and laptop https://t.co/5RnLeU4pIg pic.twitter.com/L0Z1YdNvLi
— Aditya Menon (@AdityaMenon22) December 24, 2020
According to The Quint, which accessed the search warrant, it was issued on December 22 to the investigating officer of FIR 212/2020. It reads: “Whereas information has been laid before me of the commission of offences punishable under Sections 182, 193, 420, 468, 471, 472, 473, 120B and it has been made to appear to me that incriminating data comprising false complaint and meta data of outbox of email account which was used to send incriminating documents are essential to the investigation of FIR 212/20 of Police Station Special Cell, New Delhi”.
The warrant goes on to say, “This is to authorise and require the investigating officer of this case to search for the said incrementing documents and meta data of out of box of email ID, wherever they may be found whether in computer or in the office/premises of Sh Mehmood Pracha.” It also directs the police to conduct the search during day hours and that there be videography of the search proceedings to ensure fairness.
An FIR with allegations of forgery was registered by Delhi Police Special Cell on the directions of the Delhi High Court earlier in August 2020. The case is being probed by the Special Cell. The Delhi Police told ANI, “A search warrant issued by the court is being executed”. ANI added that the ‘raids are being conducted in connection with the Delhi riots case’
